Biotechnology company Absci has released positive interim Phase 1 data from its first-in-human trial of investigational anti-prolactin receptor (PRLR) antibody ABS-201.
The company details that ABS-201 is an experimental antibody treatment being developed by Absci for androgenetic alopecia (AGA). Rather than using the same approach as existing treatments like Minoxidil or Finasteride, it blocks the PRLR, which researchers believe may help hair follicles grow and regenerate, according to Absci.
The first-in-human study found the treatment was generally well tolerated across four single ascending dose cohorts involving 32 healthy volunteers. No serious adverse events were reported, while treatment-related side effects were mild, with headaches the most commonly reported event. Absci outlines that interim pharmacokinetic data indicates ABS-201 has an estimated half-life of at least 65 days, further suggesting patients could require just two or three injections over a six-month period if efficacy is confirmed.
Ransi Somaratne, managing director and chief medical officer of Absci, commented, “We are particularly encouraged by the emerging safety, pharmacokinetic and immunogenicity profile observed to date. We look forward to further characterising ABS-201’s clinical profile and potential in the ongoing MAD portion of the headline trial for AGA, and to initiating a Phase 2 trial for endometriosis later this year.”